Oh Sue!!! Please wake up!!! Jack really, Really needs you right now, and so does the rest of the team!!!

Might this be what you want?

Chapter 12

Lost in his thoughts he was oblivious to Sues’ flickering eyes, gradually waking up she was aware of his presence, could sense his touch, caught the faint aroma of his aftershave, the stronger aroma of his body, she wrinkled her nose a little………. he didn’t smell too healthy right now.

Moving her head a little she could see his tears, quietly watched as his lips moved then his hands………. Was he really speaking and signing what she thought he was?

Lying quietly she watched as he repeated the words and signs before she quietly moved her hands, ‘this is the sign you want Jack…………’ she showed him the sign for ‘marry’ as he stared at her in amazement.

‘SUE???????????? How long have you been awake?’

‘Not long……….’ Her words were swallowed by the hug he gave her as tears of relief poured down his face.

‘Sue I am so sorry……….. how are you feeling?’ he asked as he eventually pulled back.

‘I won’t lie……. I’ve had better days…… what’s with you……….. why are you wearing PJ’s? What happened to you? Is it your heart again? Why are you covered in bruises? Jack tell me…………’

‘I can’t Sue………… I need to call Ted………. he needs a statement from you……..’ he rose from the seat.

‘So…………. you gonna ask me properly Hudson?’ she called as he began to exit the room.

‘Huh? You saw me?’ Jack turned around and gazed at her; even battered and bruised she was still beautiful……… he knew he would still think that even when they were both really old.

‘Saw you, read you…………..’

‘I want to Sue……… but now isn’t the right time…………I’ve let you down so badly………..’ he fought back the tears as he spoke, longing to take her in his arms and kiss her.

‘Jack Hudson…you haven’t let me down….. I love you…….. I know you love me……….. I want what you want…………marry me?’ she spoke firmly yet gently.

‘Shouldn’t you be on your knees when you ask?’ he grinned at her, turning to walk towards her.

‘I would if I could……. but right now lying in bed is about all I can manage….. so………..?’

She stretched her arm up and ran her fingers gently over his face, feeling him flinch as she touched the bruises.

Jack moved to the edge of the bed and held her hand, ’I want to say ‘yes’ but right now it would complicate things…… I can’t explain Sue……. I’m really not supposed to be here……… could we kind of agree to be dating…… with a view to getting married but keep it quiet………….. Tara or Ted will explain………‘

Reading the sadness in his dark, expressive eyes she nodded quietly, knowing there had to be a reason why he wasn’t kissing her and holding her, why he hadn’t said ‘yes’ immediately.

‘Jack………. hold me…….. please………..’ she shuffled over on the bed a little to allow him some space.

Checking his watch he realised the rain had stopped, maybe his mom was right, things could suddenly change on a spring day. They had some time before Tara would arrive and he’d ring Ted then.

Holding her in his arms felt so good after the hell of the last few days and he felt Sue relax as he hugged her gently and kissed the top of her head.

‘OK YOU?’

‘Always, with you Jack’ she whispered before she fell asleep.

Thank you...she's awake and they're together...

Ditto. Now Sue needs to tell DCPD exactly what happened, Jack needs to clear his name, and then they can get married!!! Things are looking up!!!!

Great post Cath, I loved it!!!!

Jen

I feel fuzzies ahead! Yea! Sue's awake! Jack loves Sue. Sue loves Jack. They want to marry each other! Now Ted, fix it so they can! Great job Cath!

Kim

YES! Sue's awake and she should be able to clear up this mess with her statement. Please get Ted, get that bureau lawyer, get whoever is needed to clear this up. Also, how about having those two DCPD officers demoted to reading parking meters or something.

yes. totally what we wanted. but i thought i would be better if jack had said yes. then again maybe he wanted to ask her properly. Still love it!! update soon!

I am so glad Sue is awake.

Dianna

Woohoo!! Sue's awake Now she needs to set things straight.

Great post Cath

Ditto!

A wonderful post Cath! Thanks!
So, are we going to get to read about the two DCPD officers being hauled over the coals?

Ah, Cath, thank you for waking Sue up! I'll sleep tonight....
~Cristy

My I'm getting my exercise crawling back up from the floor tonight! I join in singing praises to your clever fingers that typed Sue awake!

kav

The suspense is killing me here.
thanks,
Terie

Thank you Sue for waking up!!! I hope that they and everyone else on the team will pull through this rough patch and still be in one piece.

not sure since i'm a bit close to the word limit, i might fit in a short version

Sorry this is really long but i couldn't find a convenient place to cut it

Chapter 13

Woken by the sound of the door opening Jack looked up to see Tara, ‘Oh……. Errrrrr …….. hi……….‘ he mumbled.

‘She’s awake then?’ Tara grinned madly; finally they’d talked……. or she hoped they’d talked.

‘Yeah…… about an hour ago…….. I told her she needs to speak to you……. Anything on Davis?’

Tara shook her head, ‘still haven’t located him………. Sorry Jack……. you go now and I’ll fetch you when we’ve finished’

Jack nodded and reluctantly climbed off the bed.

Pulling out her phone Tara rang Bobby to let them know Sue was awake then settled back to wait for her to wake up fully so she could give a statement.

‘Tara……………? Where did Jack go…………?’

‘Sue……… thank God…….. you’re OK……….. Jack had to go back to his room…….. he’s Ok…… it’s a long story…… but we need a statement from you first…………’

Sue swallowed, her jaw aching like mad. ‘It was my fault……… we went out for dinner……. I’d met him at the gym, we’d been out a few times….. nothing big, dinner mostly…….. he asked if I wanted to go to his for coffee……. he’d been a real gentleman every time……… we didn’t kiss until our 4th date……and then only on the cheek…. he wanted sex……. I didn’t…….. he grabbed me, started touching me………… tried to get me on the floor……… I fought back…….. used some of the moves Jack had taught me, not that I could remember much…….. I was panicking…… I managed to get away, grabbed my purse and ran………. I thought he would come after me but he didn’t…. he’d had a bit to drink I think…… when I got home I did everything wrong……….., had a shower…….. well 3 actually, threw my clothes in the washing machine, went to bed………. I know I should have reported it but I ………….. I didn’t want to tell anyone……… in the morning I stayed in bed till I knew Luce had left…….. I knew she was calling or banging on the door as Levi was trying to tell me…….. later there was someone at the door…….. it was Martin……….. he said he wanted to apologise……… I stupidly let him in……. I made a coffee……… he tried it again and when I resisted he hit me in the face…….. I remember screaming and he hit me again…….. after that nothing till I woke up here……… I don’t remember Levi being there……… is he Ok…………?’

Tears began to pour down her face and Tara gripped her hand tightly, fighting back her own tears as she considered all that Sue had been through.

‘L-E-V-I GOOD’ she signed as Sue wiped the tears from her face, ‘there is some evidence that he was tied up but chewed his way through the leash……. We think he might have scared Cowley off……….. we’ve been looking for a man with a dog bite through the hospitals but nothing so far, the details he gave the gym were false…………….’

‘Tara……… why is Jack in the hospital? He wouldn’t tell me………..’

Tara took a deep breath and explained.

‘Jack wouldn’t do that…………’

‘Sue we know he wouldn’t but these 2 idiots don’t see it…….. we need to find Davis……… nail him for the attack……… we need you to give us anything you can about that night and the following morning……….’

‘I don’t think I can give you much…… we’d been for dinner at ‘La Plaza’, walked back to his……… probably 10 minutes at a steady walk…….‘ she gave Tara as much information as she could, which wasn’t much but it gave them a place to start.

‘Can I see Jack? I need him to know I know it wasn’t him………’

Tara nodded, asking Jack to come down while she updated the team.

As Jack entered the room, showered, shaved and looking a good deal ‘hotter’ than when she woke up Sue held her arms open wide and they hugged tightly, neither wanting to let go now they had finally admitted their feelings.

‘Sue……… I’m so sorry………. If I’d told you ……..’

‘Jack…….. this was not your fault………. You didn’t attack me……… if anything you saved my life, finding me when you did……… I love you Jack…… so……….. you gonna propose or accept my proposal………’

Running in through the door Tara blushed madly, ‘sorry guys, metro are on the way up…….. hospital told them Sue was awake……..’

‘LOVE YOU’ he signed as he disappeared.

‘Love you too Jack…………’

‘Sue……… when they come in, don’t tell them you’ve seen him, don’t tell them you love him……. don’t tell them I know anything, as far as they are aware I was here when you woke up, but you haven’t said a word…………’

Sue nodded, ‘I want you to stay with me……… please…..’

‘NO PROBLEM’

‘Miss Thomas……. I’m detective Nicholls, this is Detective Giles……. We need to ask you a few questions about the events of a few days ago………’

Sue gave them the same information she gave Tara.

‘You do realise you could go to prison for making a false statement…….. we know you’re protecting Hudson and he isn’t worth it……he’s a slime…. we know he was the one who attacked you……….. I think you’ve lied because you’re afraid of him……. he’s your boss, your trainer, you owe him everything, without him you’d still be in fingerprinting……or back in Ohio…. his fingerprints are all over the apartment …… he had your blood and DNA on his clothes……….. stop lying, stop protecting him……he’s not worth it……… he’s scum….…’ Nicholls spat out.

Tara jumped up, struggling to control her temper, ‘he told you he checked for a pulse, placed a blanket over her, held her hand………. we’ve all been to Sues’ apartment ……………’

Tears pricking her eyes Sue began to speak, ‘he’s a good friend…… he’s been to my place many times………. he wouldn’t do something like that, to me or anyone else…… if you don’t want anything else I want you to leave……. I’ve given my statement and if you are too stupid to believe it that isn’t my problem………….’ She turned her head away, fighting back the tears, determined not to cry in front of a pair of drop kick detectives.

‘Have you found him?’ Tara asked.

‘Still looking……….., we will though………‘ Nicholls replied before they headed out the door.

‘Not on this performance you won’t’ Tara mumbled as the door slammed.

She touched Sues’ arm, pulling her in for a hug as she saw her tear stained face.

‘Can they pin anything on Jack?’ she asked, wiping the tears away.

‘Circumstantial at best, but we need to find Davis and nail him, and keep Jack out off their way…………’

‘Could they take him back to prison?’ panic was rising in her throat.

‘They could but they have to go through their chief first, then Ted…… he has a few other strings to pull though………. If necessary he’ll tell them it’s our case as we think he’s guilty of an attack on a bureau employee…… that way we keep him in our lock up or in hospital……… if he’s here you get time together……… so you’ve finally admitted what we’ve known for over 3 years, huh?’

Sue nodded, grinning sheepishly as the door opened and the team bowled in, relieved to see her awake.

Stopping only briefly since she was beginning to tire, they visited Jack who was desperate to see Sue, before heading back to the pen.

After they left Jack ambled down to sit with Sue who sobbed in his arms, feeling she had let him down since Nicholls and Giles still had him pinned for the attacks.

‘Sue…….. you told the truth, it’s not your problem if they haven’t got enough grey cells to recognise that……… we will find the truth…… how’s your jaw?’

She shrugged, ‘a bit sore but I’ll live ……… I’m good for a few kisses though…….. I love you Jack……….’

‘I love you too………’ he shuffled on to the bed and held her tightly, planting gentle kisses on her cheeks as he wiped away her tears.

‘You know……… they were right about one thing, Jack……. I do owe you an awful lot…….. a great career, wonderful friends………. ‘

Noticing the tears pricking his eyes at her words she pulled him close and kissed him gently on the lips.

‘How about when you get out of here you come stay with me for a while……? We could compare bruises………!! ……… Are you Ok with this Sue?’ he was suddenly painfully aware of how his close proximity could be distressing her.

‘Jack……….. you will never scare me……… you are nothing like Martin, I feel so stupid for trusting him………..’

‘Sue don’t feel guilty…don’t feel stupid…. your trusting nature is one of the many things I love about you………. but I hope you realise I will be in ‘Very Overprotective Mode’ with you………..’

‘Instead of just ‘Overprotective’?’ she smiled softly at him, feeling so safe in his arms.

He tapped the end of her nose before kissing it gently, ‘get used to it Thomas…….. I’m not going anywhere…….’

‘Glad to hear it Hudson………. So, is that a ‘yes’ then?’

‘Yes to what?’

‘Marrying me……….’

‘If the offer is still open, I’d very much like to accept……… if you’re sure you can manage to live with such a bumbling idiot…………’

‘I think I could manage……. If not I’ll trade you in for a less bumbling idiot……….' Sue read the flash of concern on his face and grinned at him 'don’t panic……. I have no intention of letting you go anywhere Hudson…………’ she whispered.

‘Glad to hear it because I have no intention of going anywhere………. I love you Sue………’ his emotions threatening to overwhelm him he kissed her gently, ready to stop if she appeared uncomfortable in any way.

Interrupted by the door they looked up to see Bobby bouncing in, ‘we’ve located him……. we’re gearing up……… we’ll get you out soon Sparky………. Congratulations by the way…….. about time……….’

Both blushing madly they fell asleep together, to be woken some time later by Bobby telling them they’d got him, ‘so you can go home whenever you want Sparky………..’

‘Has he confessed?’

Bobby shook his head, ‘but with Sues’ testimony we can nail him………’

‘It’s not enough……….. DCPD will say she’s protecting me…….. I’ll be in the cells before I can say ‘Good Morning America’…they won’t stop with a black eye and a few bruises…… I’ll stay here……. well, not here……..’ he mumbled since ‘here’ was Sues’ bed.

‘Anything to say he was at the apartment yet?’

Bobby shook his head again, ‘I’ll head back, keep you updated……..’

As he left he reflected on the fear he’d heard in Jacks’ voice, something he couldn’t remember ever hearing before, he guessed Jack had put on a brave face while in prison and it made him even more determined to find the truth and then nail Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

Those officers...

Those two officers have a vendetta against Jack for some reason. I think they are connected somehow with Martin.

That was a great post and totally get me through my next class. I thought i would have to wait to read this chapter. But i was able to find a computer. I can't wait for more and that stupid martin better confess. There has got to be a way to get him too. As for the stupid cops, they need to get fired.

Ditto!

Great post Cath! I look forward to more!

I agree! I think the cops are somehow connected to Martin.

Ready for more Cath!

Em

Ditto. I'm really not liking these detectives. If Sue says it wasn't Jack, it WASN'T JACK. Get that through that those thick skulls of yours!!

Sorry, got very angrry with those stupid police guys.

Also, a ditto to Ivory. Although parking meters seems too nice. Maybe working in the mailroom. Or filing stuff.



Great post Cath, full of emotion and intense sensations there!

Jen

Yeah! I totally agree! Why else would they not believe Sue's statement!

I cant believe that the cops didnt believe what Sue said.

What have they got against Jack - apart from the obvious that he is good looking (drop dead variety), a gentleman, caring, romantic - need I go on - they obviously arent any of those things - or is it that they dont like the fact that he is good at his job - or that Sue has feelings for him - am I thinking too much? - do we find out what their problem is with Jack?

Loved the fuzzy moments between Sue and Jack and that she woke up in time to see him confess his true feelings

Can't believe those cops would think Jack would do anything like that, grrrrrrrr

Great story again Cath.

Soph

Those cops need to be shoved in prison themselves. Jack would never do anything like that. Could they be covering for someone

to the cops and then to this talk about marriage flying about the hospital room...only it's hard to bask in the fuzzy warmth with dumb and dumber throwing accusations around!

kav

Dumb and Dumber, that about sums it up. That was funny Kav.

Kim

Totally agree with you. They're just don't want to admitt that they made a mistake.

I think the cops are crooked and are worried Jack has something on them.
thanks,
Terie

I finally caught up to all that was going on....this is different from most of your other stuff Cath. I like it tho other than the evil guy and dirty cops of course. Keep it up.

Thank you all for the feedback
Chapter 14

Ambling in to Jacks room some hours later Bobby, Myles and Levi weren’t totally surprised to find it empty. Grinning, they walked up the corridor to Sues’ room finding them eating together.

‘Ah……… the charming Hudsons, together again…………. We have good news and ‘not so good’ news.’ Myles stated as Jack and Sue valiantly fought off an excitable Levi.

‘Davis has admitted the assault in the evening, says he realised he’d gone too far…….. went to apologise the following morning but saw Jack enter, heard screaming and shouting……. emergency services arrived and he left………. he’s denying ever being in your place Sue…….’ Myles hated being the bearer of bad news.

‘However, we have a plan……….. remember when you taught Levi to snarl?’ Bobby asked.

Sue nodded, wondering where this was going.

‘We want you to teach us the sign so we can put our plan into action……’

As Jack watched quietly Sue taught them the sign and they practiced until Levi responded as quickly to them as he did to Sue.

‘More good news ………….Ted had the drongos pulled and the chief wants to see you when this is over………..’ Bobby informed them as they left to execute their plan.

Jack nodded quietly, light was at the end of the tunnel although he was very happy sharing Sues’ bed, holding her tight even if it was uncomfortable with very little room.

‘You want me to go Sue?’ He asked quietly, noticing her falling asleep.

‘No……… I want you to stay with me……. unless you want to go………’

‘I don’t want to go anywhere…… ever……… can we have a very short engagement sweetheart, please……………’

‘Looks good to me hun……how long?’ Sue snuggled closer to him, feeling warm and safe as he wrapped his arms around her.

‘Tomorrow?’ Jack suggested.

‘No……… I want to get married in church with family and friends there and not when I look as though I’ve done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson……….. and not when the groom looks as bad!!!!!!!!! How about 4-6 weeks?’

‘Sounds good to me……..I don’t really want to spend my honeymoon in a hospital bed………..’ Jack winked at her sending her pulse rate racing and the pulse machine beeping.

As Sue snuggled closer he held her gently in her arms as she fell asleep.

Ah, perfect. Levi rules!!!! Great post cath, I love your stories!!

Jen

Little did Sue know, when she taught that trick to Levi, just how helpful it might turn out to be.

another great post.i can't wait to read more. and yes! YOU PULLED THE STUPID COPS OFF THE CASE!

Great story, cute post

THis was good. Yay!!!!!!!! All around great. I can think of a reason they would want to learn that sign but hmmmmmmm

Levi is going to save the day!
kav

Yeah! Get him Levi

Dianna

I love Levi's trick! It's totally going to work. Watch out Davis!

Em

Levi to the rescue!

We all know Levi is way more intelligent than those idiot police officers.
thanks,
Terie

Great post Cath!
Can't wait to read about Levi saving the day!

Chapter 15

D and Myles walked Davis from lock-up to the interview room, passing Levi and Bobby.

Giving him the sign Bobby jumped a mile as Levi began to snarl and bark furiously.

Instinctively Davis moved his hand to his left thigh.

‘Something troubling you down there mate?’ D asked as Bobby led Levi away to reward him with a pile of treats.

Requesting a medical check from the bureau doc they were jumping with joy when he confirmed it was a number of dog bites and the teeth marks matched the cast of Levis’ jaw taken by the vet. Presented with the evidence Davis folded and admitted everything plus other attacks he’d carried out.

Heading to the hospital with Ted they filled Jack and Sue in, ‘you should have seen him Sue, he was spectacular……….. even I was scared …….‘ Bobby grinned at her, wondering if they had any idea that they were still holding hands.

‘My mum always said ‘give a person enough rope and they’ll hang themselves’ D commented, ‘and Levi was certainly enough rope……….’

‘Well, he is a dog of many talents……….. I want to thank you all for believing in me and sticking with it…….. I can never repay you all…….’ Jack commented, ruffling Levi’s ears, offering up a prayer of thanks that he was finally cleared and they could look forward to a life together.

‘Jack…….. if it was any one of us you and Sue would have done the same….’ Ted murmured as the others nodded wisely.

‘’Good riddance to bad rubbish’ my mom would say at a time like this’ Luce mumbled, relieved Sue was Ok, she hated to see her bruised and battered although she was looking pretty happy now she and Jack were together.

‘I hope you’ve had Levi checked for nasty diseases guys, who knows what he might have picked up from that low-life piece of pond scum…….’ Jack murmured.

As she watched them Tara wondered just how bruised Jack was, it wasn’t something any of them had asked although from what Ted had stated none of them figured it was the few on his face and Bobby had caught him wincing a few times as he’d moved.


“
“

‘You want a lift home Sparky?’

‘No…. I’ll get a cab later………’ he lowered his head, hoping no-one would see him blushing…… it was a faint hope as they all smiled to themselves.

‘Ted…….. could I have a word please……..’

Ted turned around, leaving the team to exit the room.

‘Sure……. What can I do for you…….?’ He asked as Jack indicated that he wanted to talk outside Sues’ room.

‘I need to transfer out of the unit………..’

‘Jack……. if this is about the allegation, you need to know that none of us believed it even for one second……….. OPR won’t be investigating and we will be visiting Manwaring whenever you’re ready……….’

‘No…………. but I appreciate your words, they mean a great deal……I ….. err……… Sue and I will be getting married in 6 weeks…….. ’

‘Ahhhhhhhh ……. and you think you need to move units……… Jack I have been aware of your feelings since I arrived….. it has never affected the team……. You are both people of honesty and integrity………. I am confident that if you found being married and working together was an issue you would come see me and we would discuss it……. I am happy for you to work together still……… and congratulations….. you don’t let the grass grow under your feet do you?’

‘Don’t know about that Ted……. I think I left the grass to grow way too long……it’s not a mistake I plan on making again…..’

Ted smiled as Jack returned to the room, ‘finally…….. many a sudden change takes place on a spring day…………’

Squeezing on the bed Jack held Sue in his arms as they fell asleep together, oblivious to the stares of the medical staff who tried to run regular checks on Sue.

Ah, don't you just love Ted??? Great post Cath, I absolutely LOVE this story!!!

Jen

Ted is one of the good guys! Levi was spectacular! Wonderful!

Kim

I have an idea Levi may have snarled even if he hadn't been given the signal.

It was a relief to see Jack cleared.

Ditto!

Wonderful post Cath!

One doesnt have switch units yay!!!!!!!!! This should be good. Way to go Levi!!!!!! All is well in DC.

Plan worked

Jack and Sue can get married without transfering

Me happy

Yes! Good job Levi!
thanks,
Terie